Arrival of waka fleet kicks off Auckland’s non-stop summer

7 December 2014

Haere mai – arrival of waka fleet kicks off Auckland’s non-stop summer

Auckland welcomed a fleet of ocean going waka today, marking the start of a non-stop summer in what is anticipated to be the region’s biggest-ever events season.

The stunning display on the Waitemata Harbour involved six waka, including Hōkūle’a and Hikianalia from the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) in Hawaii, which are sailing as part of Mālama Honu a four year worldwide voyage.

The waka sailed into Ōkahu Bay early this morning where the crews were greeted by a traditional pōwhiri led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei, before travelling to Wynyard Quarter in the central city.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says the arrival of the fleet was a very unique and special sight which attracted spectators from Auckland’s strong and proud multicultural community.

“Waka have been a significant part of Auckland’s history and the city is known in te reo Māori as Tāmaki Herenga Waka: Tāmaki, a place where many waka converge representative of the hundreds of canoes that could be seen on Auckland’s harbours in the past.”

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says to welcome the Polynesian Voyaging Society after a momentous journey across the seas and in to the Waitemata Harbour is fantastic for Auckland.

“We are proud of this multicultural city which reflects our unique Pasifika origins.”

“Today’s event is just the beginning for Auckland’s non-stop summer, which has a bumper line up of arts, culture, music and sport events,” says Mr O’Riley.

“We encourage Aucklanders and visitors to experience and celebrate everything the region has on offer this summer.”

ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) is Auckland’s economic growth agency.

Waka involved will include:
• Hōkūlea and Hikianalia from Hawaii – as part of the PVS voyage.
• Auckland’s Haunui waka.
• New Zealand’s Aotearoa One and Hinemoana waka.
• Marumaru Atua from the Cook Islands.

The PVS waka will be in Auckland until April 2015 and will run a range of educational programmes starting next year.

ENDS

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